The Science and Technology policy is articulated in the 15-year SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP). The detailed policy is contained in the Protocol on Science, Technology and Innovation signed by the SADC Summit in August 2008.
One activity scheduled is the launch of the SADC Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Week as per the matrix table 4.5 of the RISDP. The SADC S&T Ministers who met in Johannesburg, South Africa, 11 December 2008 noted that the awareness of the region on science, engineering and technology is still low and Research and Development accounts for less than 1% of GDP among developing countries compared to about 3% for developed countries. Ministers agreed that science, technology and innovation is the foundation for the development of any society.
A SADC Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Week was, in fact, proposed to foster public understanding and awareness. Mauritius was elected as Chair for the SADC Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Week programme and South Africa the Deputy Chair. It was decided that the SADC desk on science, technology and innovation will assist in coordinating the activities and will mobilise funding. It was also agreed that Mauritius will drive the implementation of the SADC Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Week in 2009, with the assistance of South Africa as the Deputy Chair.
The SADC SET week is to be launched in Mauritius by the end of September 2009. A number of activities is being proposed on this occasion including a major exhibition at the Swami Vivekananda International Conference Centre at Pailles. The exhibition will showcase the various Science and Technology aspects in Mauritius: Education, Research and Economic Development. The details are presently being worked out.
Interested organisations are encouraged to send an email about their expression of interest to rgsctf@intnet.mu . Suggestions are also welcome for this big first time event in Mauritius to promote Science and Technology.
If you want to know more about the Southern African Development Community, please click here.
To have further information about holding of SET weeks around the world you may click on the following links:
www.setup.org.uk
www.scienceinafrica.co.za/2002/march/nstf.htm
www.saasta.ac.za/media/2003_01.shtml
Downloads:
Africa's Science and Technology consolidated Plan of Action 
